Approved Minutes 7-16-1997 SUMMARY MINUTES OF THE SAINT PAUL CITY COUNCIL
Wednesday, July 16, 1997 - 3:30 PM
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 3RD FLOOR
City Hall and Court House
15 West Kellogg Boulevard
The meeting was called to order at 3:37 p.m. by Council President Thune.
Present - 7 - Blakey, Bostrom, Collins, Harris, Megard, Morton, Thune
Absent - 0
26. Recognition of Retiring City Employee.
Shannon Johnson, City Council secretary, who retired after 25 years of service to the City was
recognized by Councilmember Blakey and Nancy Anderson. Ms. Johnson responded with thanks and
appreciation for her time spent working for the City of Saint Paul.
CONSENT AGENDA
Councilmember Harris requested Item #7 D001258 be laid over to July 23.
Councilmember Megard requested Item #13 be discussed with Item 25A, during the policy discussion.
Councilmember Blakey moved approval of the Consent Agenda as amended. Yeas - 7 Nays - 0
FOR ACTION
1. Approval of minutes of June 11, 1997 meeting.
Adopted Yeas - 7 Nays - 0
2. Claims of American Family Insurance (for Charles Anderson), American States Insurance (for
Nancy Fenske), John Daubney, Robert Hei, Bill (J. William) Mantel, Midwest Security Insurance
(for Daral Weineke), Hector A. Ponce de Leon, David Reddan (for Kenneth Gates), Linda
Ruecker, and William Thesenvitz.
Referred to Employee/Risk Management Division
3. Summons in Application for Registration in the matter of the application of Paul R. Kelley to
register title to Lot 29, Block 9, Sylvan Park Addition to the City of Saint Paul.
Referred to the City Attorney's Office
4. Mechanic's Lien Statement pertaining to Rice and Irvine's Addition to St. Paul excepting such
parts thereof that are now used for public streets.
Referred to the City Attorney's Office
5. Letters from Saint Paul Public Health declaring 505 Case Avenue, 881 Desoto Street, 83 Douglas
Street, and 852 Fuller Avenue as "nuisance properties." (For notification purposes only; public
hearings will be scheduled at a later date if necessary.)
July 16, 1997, City Council Summary Minutes Page 2
6. Communication from Saint Paul Animal Control dated July 7, 1997, announcing a request from
the University of Minnesota Research Lab for unclaimed dogs and cats.
7. Administrative Orders:
D001258 Amending the 1997 budget in the Office of Financial Services to pay Ramsey
County for administrative charges for local improvement assessments levied on
taxes.
Laid over to July 23 Yeas - 7 Nays - 0
D001259 Addition of$21,987 to the contract for Saint Paul Civic Center Expansion, CP-4
Building Construction.
D001260 Addition of$5,325.00 to the contract for Saint Paul Civic Center Expansion, CP-4
Building Construction.
D001261 Addition of$13,394.00 to the contract for Saint Paul Civic Center Expansion, CP-1
Science Museum Turnaround.
D001262 Establishing a City-wide e-mail policy for City employees communicating with
each other and working with citizens and City customers.
D001263 Authorizing the proper City officials to pay Public Art Saint Paul an amount not to
exceed $8,925.00 for its expenses for the Capital Center Plaza artist selection
process.
D001264 Addition of$8,191.00 to the contract for Saint Paul Civic Center Expansion, CP-4
Building Construction Mechanical - Parking Ramp Alternate A.
D001265 Addition of$30,000.00 the contract for Saint Paul Civic Center Expansion, CP-4
Building Construction Mechanical - Parking Ramp Alternate A.
D001266 Authorizing the St. Paul Police Department to pay for one day of lodging, meals
and mileage, not to exceed $200.00, for one police volunteer at the National
Conference of Police Chaplains.
D001267 Addition of$6,165.30 to the contract for the Albert-Eleanor Sewer and Paving
project.
Noted as on file in the City Clerk's Office
8. Resolution - 97-854 - Approving the appointment of Councilmember Gladys Morton and the
Reappointment of Dr. Ruth Busman, by Mayor Coleman, to the Food and Nutrition Commission.
(Laid over from July 9 for adoption)
Adopted Yeas - 7 Nays - 0
9. Resolution - 97-855 - Approving the appointments of Blong Vang, William Mason, III, and
Jennifer Engh, and the reappointments of Michael P. Hernandez, Julie Hoff, Johnny Howard,
Steven Johnson, Kathleen Laliberte, Mark Moeller, and Rhonda Smieja, by Mayor Coleman, to
the Business Review Council. (Laid over from July 9 for adoption)
Adopted Yeas - 7 Nays - 0
10. Resolution - 97-892 - Authorizing payment of$22,000.00 to Carol Ann Mueller, OBO the heirs
and next-of-kin of Jill Huntington, and her attorneys Meshbesher & Spence, Ltd. in full settlement
of their claim against the City of Saint Paul.
Adopted Yeas - 7 Nays - 0
July 16, 1997, City Council Summary Minutes Page 3
11. Resolution - 97-893 - Authorizing payment of$2,670.38 to Farmers Insurance Group, as subrogee
for Susan Mauch, in full settlement of their claim against the City of Saint Paul.
Adopted Yeas - 7 Nays - 0
12. Resolution - 97-894 - Finalizing City Council action taken June 1, 1997, denying the appeal of
Harry Mandik to a decision of the Board of Zoning Appeals pertaining to 2100 Minnehaha
Avenue East.
Adopted Yeas - 7 Nays - 0
13. (Discussed with Item 25A)
14. Resolution - 97-896 - Authorizing the Department of Fire & Safety Services to enter into a fire
protection inspection and engineering agreement with the City of Maplewood.
Adopted Yeas - 7 Nays - 0
15. Resolution - 97-897 - Correcting sewer work financing on the Lafond/Grotto RSP project.
Adopted Yeas - 7 Nays - 0
16. Resolution - 97-898 - Rescinding C.F. 96-1099, adopted September 4, 1996 to vacate certain
public lands, as the conditions set forth have not been met.
Adopted Yeas - 7 Nays - 0
17. Resolution - 97-899 - Canceling and rescinding C.F. 95-450 which approved a sidewalk
reconstruction project on East Fourth Street from Germain to Kennard Streets as the sidewalk
work was not done.
Adopted Yeas - 7 Nays - 0
18. Resolution - 97-900 - Releasing utility easements in a portion of Empire Builder Industrial Park
Number 2.
Adopted Yeas - 7 Nays - 0
19. Resolution Approving Assessment - 97-901 - In the matter of boardings-up of vacant buildings for
April 1997, demolition of vacant buildings for June 1997, boardings-up of vacant buildings for
May 1997, demolition/repair of retaining wall at 586 West Wheelock Parkway, boardings-up of
vacant buildings from May 31 to June 9, 1997; and sewer service connection repairs for 1996,
and setting date of Legislative Hearing for September 2 and City Council Hearing for September
10, 1997. (File #J9709B, J97091C, J97091B, J97092C, J97092B, SSA9709)
Adopted Yeas - 7 Nays - 0
July 16, 1997, City Council Summary Minutes Page 4
FOR DISCUSSION
20. Report from the Administration on steps taken and further needs for appropriations or transfer of
budgeted funds to enable complete damage repair and restoration of services as a result of the
storm on July 1, 1997. (Requested on July 2, C.F. 97-852)
Councilmember Bostrom moved for suspension of the rules and approval of the following
resolution:
Resolution - 97-902 - Continuing the Mayor's declaration of emergency beyond three days and
thereafter for as long as necessary to effectuate relief to affected citizens due to storm damage and
enabling the Ramsey County Assessor to exercise statutory authority for the reassessment of
homestead property.
Peter Hames, Office of the Mayor, provided an update on what has transpired since the storm that
occurred on July 1 and 2, 1997. He noted that from the outset, Department of Public Works
crews were on site, the Fire Department established a command center in the neighborhood, and
every City department has made some contribution in assisting the residents with needs resulting
from the storm. License, Inspections, Environmental Protection (LIEP) has responded to every
call received and the Citizen Service Office is also a contact point. The Department of Planning
and Economic Development (PED) was on site explaining the kinds of assistance. The Mayor
declared an emergency for the purposes of the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to use the
Community Development Block Grant fund and waiving the income limits. The second
declaration is for Minnesota Statutes compliance to authorize the county assessor to reduce the tax
assessment on homesteaded homes in the area. There were inquiries from the County
Commissioners and members of the St. Paul Legislative Delegation. Also, the private sector has
stepped forward.
Roger Curtis, Administration, appeared and stated he has been on site at the Hoyt Avenue
command center for over a week. Dick Anfang from Saint Paul Building Trades said they are
willing to do whatever is necessary to assist. The Minnesota Association of Mechanical
Contractors and the National Electrical Contractors Association called their local contractors who
came on site to assess the damages. After a house-by-house assessment, a meeting was held with
the building trades, mechanical contractors, Councilmember Bostrom, and District 2 Community
Council. The first priority is to get hot water back into the homes. Home Depot donated 30
water heaters. Damaged gas lines will be replaced on July 17. The week of July 29, electrical
service will be restored. The Sheet Metal, Air Conditioning, and Roofing Contractors
Association (SMARCA) has agreed to donate all the furnaces and install them. A representative
from the Small Business Administration was present for a tour and this person arranged to re-
locate people from a home that was unfit to live in.
Gary Peltier, Department of Planning and Economic Development (PED), appeared and stated
that since July 2, PED has been working to get an assessment of damage. As of this date, 37
properties have been inspected. PED expects to handle any requests from existing sources. PED
will be asking for three changes in the existing forgivable loan program: 1) That CDBG funds be
available without regard to income to assist any homeowner who has experienced severe structural
July 16, 1997, City Council Summary Minutes Page 5
damage to their property that caused a dangerous condition, 2) PED suggests the Council lift the
maximum $25,000 loan limit, 3) PED has typically not allowed payment for refrigerators and
ranges.
Councilmember Morton stated that one person residing on Hancock Street did not understand
that an application had to be put in and the loan may be forgiven. She asked if adequate
information has been given so people understand the procedure. Gary Peltier responded one or
more of the Hancock properties has been inspected. He will see who on Hancock Street has
submitted an application and the residents will be called so they are aware of this.
(Thune left; Blakey assumed the chair)
Councilmember Megard stated she hopes the report coming forward will reflect the fact that other
parts of the city also suffered storm damage. Her office received a call seeking assistance but the
low income home rehabilitation section said they had 400 applications and were taking no more.
Gary Peltier responded that people are referred to the command post because there are other
services available. The forgiveable single family deferred loan program never had the money to
serve the demand. There is about a 200 household waiting list for that program. At this point,
PED is only making available the existing home improvement loan programs with the exceptions
mentioned. A forgiveable loan after ten years turns into a grant if the person remains an
owner/occupant.
Chair Blakey asked about street damage. Peter Hames said the Department of Public Works had
responded to those on a complaint basis. All major holes have been fixed and they are now doing
patrolling. Also, there were two estimates from the Division of Parks and Recreation regarding
Hidden Falls and Swede Hollow.
Councilmember Megard asked if the Council has information on the extent of damage throughout
the City. Peter Hames responded there will be a damage assessment the week of July 21.
Councilmember Megard asked if this money will be reimbursed if Saint Paul is designated as a
disaster area by the federal government. Mr. Hames responded that there is no way to receive a
reimbursement. Gary Peltier responded there are adequate funds based on what he knows now.
Councilmember Megard asked about Saint Paul's obligation under the disaster plan. Peter Hames
responded there is no obligation for Saint Paul. Peg Birk, City Attorney, stated the Council is
committing themselves to an emergency for the purposes of the Ramsey County Assessor to
exercise the statutory authorities indicated.
Adopted Yeas - 6 Nays - 0 (Thune not present for vote)
July 16, 1997, City Council Summary Minutes Page 6
21. Resolution - 97-780 - Authorizing the issuance of General Obligation Tax Increment Bonds to
provide funds to acquire Block 39 and prepare for Lawson Center development; and approving the
execution of a pledge agreement with respect to the Lawson Center development financing. (Laid
over from July 9)
Councilmember Megard moved to lay over to July 23 saying she had a request for a layover.
Laid over to July 23 Yeas 6 Nays - 0 (Thune not present for vote)
22. Administrative Orders:
D001249 Deduction of$1,685.00 from the contract for Rice & Arlington Sports Dome - Part
Two (Parking Lot). (Laid over from July 2)
D001254 Amending the spending and financing plans of the 1997 Capital Improvement
Budget for Ohio Street reconstruction by transferring funding from MSA
Contingency and the Alley projects. (Laid over from July 2)
D001254 listed in error and should have been:
D001253 Additions of$28,907.00 to the contract for Rice & Arlington Sports Dome Support
Building. (Laid over from July 2)
Councilmember Megard stated the City has an agreement with the developers that the dome would
come down at a certain time. It is still inflated and the variance has been violated. The City is
allowing it to remain inflated and is taking care of it through extenuating circumstances because
the contract is not finished. When the contract is completed, the City will follow it's own dictate
and the dome will only be up six months each year.
Councilmember Megard moved approval.
Noted as on file in the City Clerk's Office
ORDINANCES
23. Second Reading - 97-869 - An ordinance amending the Saint Paul Legislative Code, Appendix H,
incorporating the terms of the Transfer and Franchise Modification Agreement dated November
13, 1996 between the City of Saint Paul, Continental Cablevision and U.S. West.
Gerry Strathman reported that the third reading will be August 6 in order for proper notification
to be given for the public hearing.
Laid over to August 6 for third reading/public hearing
24. Second Reading - 97-870 - An ordinance amending Chapter 376 of the Saint Paul Legislative
Code to allow transfer of stock by corporate licensees with the consent of the City Council, and
raising the cap on licenses to allow four additional.
Laid over to July 23 for third reading/public hearing
July 16, 1997, City Council Summary Minutes Page 7
Councilmember Bostrom moved for suspension of the rules and approval of the following resolution:
Resolution - 97-903 - Accepting the award of$125,000 for the Weed and Seed site to be located
in Railroad Island and designate the Saint Paul Police Department to administer the award.
Adopted Yeas - 6 Nays - 0 (Thune not present for vote)
25. POLICY SESSION
B. Municipal State Aid (MSA) Policy and Strategy Discussion
Presenter: Ed Warn, Department of Public Works
Councilmember Harris suggested the Council discuss this item along with the transportation issue
scheduled for August 20.
Laid over to August 20 Policy Session
(Thune returned during the policy session)
A. Report on the Integrated Human Resources/Payroll/Benefits/Administration Project.
Martha Larson, Office of Financial Services, and Kathy Stack, Project Director, appeared and
presented a progress report on the Integrated Human Resources/Payroll/Benefits Administration
Project.
Councilmember Harris asked what mechanisms were in place for tracking the finances. Martha
Larson responded that the contract itself cannot exceed $700,000. If additional funds are needed,
it would have to come back before the Council. Mr. Harris stated he thought this was a fixed cost
budget. Ms. Larson responded the City will pay no more than $700,000 for the design phase.
Councilmember Megard asked about the $1.7 million in the budget amendment. Martha Larson
stated this transfers the $1.7 million the Council authorized in January from where it is in the
general fund. Councilmember Megard said this is the first phase and it should be implemented by
January 1999. The City begins to pay back the borrowing January 1, 1998. She expressed
concern that the departments may not be able to pay their share and asked what happens if the
departments do not pay it back and if there is a contingency plan. Joe Reid responded the plan set
in place has been factored into budgets for the departments and spread across all City government.
The impact on individual programs is not that great. Ms. Megard asked how elected officials will
keep track of this $1.7 million. Mr. Reed responded that it is treated as a balance from the
general fund so it will be identified in the annual financial report whether it is being paid off.
Councilmember Collins asked what the total cost of the project is. Martha Larson responded
there is a $4 million total cost of implementation.
July 16, 1997, City Council Summary Minutes Page 8
Councilmember Blakey asked if there is any estimate of what the system will save. Martha
Larson responded at this point it would be inappropriate to give a finite amount, but this system
should eliminate redundancy and make the process to administer payroll and benefits more
efficient.
Ms. Larson suggested giving the Councilmembers the project budget tracking documents which
will lay out the specific task and deliverables they are looking to accomplish in the design phase.
An additional update will be provided at the September 17, 1997 Policy Session.
13. Resolution - 97-895 - Transferring approved spending authority for the Integrated Human
Resources/Payroll/Benefit Administration system from the General Fund to an Internal Service
Fund.
Councilmember Megard moved to amend the resolution by adding additional language starting
with Line 70 as follows: "Beginning January 1, 1998, reporting of the payback by departments to
the general fund will be made on an annual basis in the Mayor's budget." Also, Ms. Megard
stated she would like this added to every resolution on this topic. Councilmember Blakey
accepted the amendment as friendly.
Councilmember Megard moved approval as amended.
Adopted as amended Yeas - 7 Nays - 0
Councilmember Harris moved adjournment.
Yeas - 7 Nays - 0
• -L OU\ ED AT ' :40 P.M.
1111,A\b,
David Th , " uncil President
ATTEST:
Minutes approved by Council
Nanc Ande n ,,t poi /99 7
Assistant Council Secretary
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